My inspiration and route into becoming an artist

 As a young child (the youngest of four), my father, who was years ahead of his time as an early conservationist and photographer, whilst being an engineer himself, fostered my love of wildlife, nature and photography that has been the one constant thread running throughout my life.  Through this love, I have become more passionate over the years about conservation, the natural environment and the beauty that surrounds us everywhere if we take the time to pause, observe and reflect.

 In adolescence, animals were my companions and passion and logically I stumbled into a career in science, initially agriculture and then clinical embryology and conservation work in Zimbabwe.   In Africa, the light, the peace, the grandeur of the wildlife you experience affects every fibre of your being and the solitude and calm I found walking and photographing nature in the African bush inspired me to develop my art.

 I started drawing and taught myself pencil and charcoal art, specialising in African wildlife and the tenderness and beauty of its animals.  My pictures touched others and soon I found myself much in demand as an artist of detail and composition.  Through my easel, pencils and charcoal I had discovered a doorway into a new life away from the hubbub and stresses of the laboratory and commercial farming.   It enabled me to reconnect with my core passions and beliefs; the world is full of beauty and wonder if only we could take the time to slow down, observe and enjoy it.

 Through my pictures and art, I hope to bring into your life some of that beauty, some of that peace and most of all some of that connection to the real world that at times seems so far distant from the super-highway, stimulating, broadband digital lives to which we seem enslaved and from which it is all too difficult to escape.

 Nature is not digitised nor does it live through the latest smart-phone or app.   It is beautiful and joyous and if I can capture some of that essence and bring it into your home, your office or work-space and your lives then my work as an artist in sharing and providing opportunities for peace and tranquillity in your life will have been entirely worthwhile.    

 Fiona Stansfield